Social media is an integral component of modern life. In every ten individuals, seven rely on social media for news, connecting with other people, and sharing information. Facebook is the leading social media in popularity because it has more than two billion active users while others like Twitter and telegram follow. For A nurse, using social media platforms has everyday applications in both private and professional lives. For example, they help in discourses on best practices of care and quality healthcare. However, despite the benefits, lack of proper use of social media can cause nurses problems due to unprofessional posts that are against nursing professional standards. Such problems can lead to malpractice claims, being fired, or disciplinary action by the board. In this essay, I present findings of my social media activities on Facebook that could be termed unprofessional.
In July 2020, I posted a photo of myself and Covid-19 patients in the background in my workplace to show people how severe the pandemic was, hence the need to adhere to the proposed prevention measures. Besides, under this photo, I described how the affected patients were experiencing adverse symptoms. However, I did not include any information identifying the patients, although some of their faces can be seen in the photo. My intention of posting this picture was good since I intended to create awareness about coronavirus disease. However, looking at the photo now, I think it can be considered a breach of the patients' confidentiality and privacy. Although it was not intentional, the post breached the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rule. The photo could cause litigation issues or action by the board if one of the patients in the picture is displeased with the act of posting the photo on a social media platform. Therefore, it was unprofessional to place the photo on social media.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Nurses have a duty to uphold a standard of conduct based on nursing profession standards in their practice and private lives. By maintaining these standards, they provide the best possible nursing care to their patients. A nurse is expected to demonstrate respect for patients. Appropriate conduct by nurses ensures that the integrity of the nursing profession is protected and patients trust nurses leading to better patient outcomes. For example, suppose privacy and confidentiality are maintained. In that case, nurses create a trusting environment that promotes care-seeking behaviors and patients become more honest as well as willingly reveal relevant information about their healthcare issues. It promotes a better nurse-patient relationship which is essential for the best possible patient outcomes. Disclosing patient data to unauthorized people, such as on social media, is a violation of the HIPPA privacy rule.
In my social media activities, I ensure that I avoid using offensive words to the people I interact with. I do not use derogatory words or comments that would make others feel like less human beings. Regardless of who I interact with, I always ensure a respectful conversation no matter the kind of words they use. Besides, I demonstrate love and compassion to others. Therefore, I do not post information about other people, and I frequently write posts to educate individuals about different health issues, and this demonstrates care and love. My interactions are always guided by 1 Corinthians 16:14 which requires us to do everything in love. The only area that I found wanting improvement is posting pictures of patients. Although the intentions are good, it is unethical and unprofessional for a nurse to post pictures of patients on social media platforms. It is vital to respect their privacy and ensure that they are treated with dignity.
